Annabel Sutherland scripted history by smashing a remarkable 78-ball century, becoming the first batter to score consecutive ODI centuries from No. 5. Her dominant performance lifted Australia to a commanding 291/7 in a rain-affected match against New Zealand. Sutherland’s incredible display of power and finesse solidifies her position as a game-changer in Australian cricket.
Australia 291 for 7 (Sutherland 105*, McGrath 34, Penfold 4-42, Carson 2-65) beat New Zealand 122 for 5 (Kerr 38, James 27, Garth 2-17) by 65 runs via DLS
Captain Alyssa Healy made a successful return before Annabel Sutherland smashed her second consecutive century as Australia defeated New Zealand in a rain-affected second ODI at the Basin Reserve.After Thursday’s opener in the three-match series was washed out on the same ground, Sutherland steadied Australia from a mid-innings wobble in seaming conditions to finish unbeaten on 105 from 81 balls. Healy played as a specialist batter and hit a crisp 34 off 32 at the top of the order, while Beth Mooney took the gloves during New Zealand’s innings.
Fresh off a commanding 110 in the series-finale against India at the WACA, Sutherland became the first batter to hit consecutive ODI centuries from No.5 and she made the tough batting conditions look easy to lift Australia to an imposing 291 for 7.
New Zealand faced an uphill task in their bid to achieve the second highest run chase in ODI cricket. Debutant Bella James made a brisk start and showcased her power hitting by pulling seamer Megan Schutt for six into the terraces.
But opening partner Suzie Bates, who earlier presented James with her cap, fell to quick Kim Garth in the sixth over when she edged to Ashleigh Gardner in the gully. There had been doubts over whether Gardner had gotten her fingers under a ball dipping low to the ground, but replays upheld the original soft decision.
James’ breezy 27 runs off 33 ended on the last ball of the powerplay when she tried to hit Garth over midwicket only for Alana King to take a well-judged catch running backwards.
When captain Sophie Devine nicked off Ellyse Perry, New Zealand slumped to 60 for 3 in the 16th over and the only threat for an inevitable Australia victory was the darkening skies above.
The inclement weather did not arrive until the 31st over, well after the 20-over minimum required for a result, with New Zealand at 122 for 5 and well short of the par score. Play was soon called off as Australia clinched a 14th straight ODI victory over their neighbours.
It continues Australia’s winning run since their T20 World Cup disappointment and follows their 3-0 ODI series whitewash against India at home.
After Devine elected to bowl under overcast skies, New Zealand did not make the most of the favourable conditions and were let down by ragged fielding. James, known as having a safe pair of hands, had a tough initiation in the field and dropped three catches.
